Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it’s not a lengthy duration, I’ve gathered some insights throughout this period. London is a dynamic city, offering a plethora of living arrangements and lively communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals feature choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, evaluate amenities, and determine their closeness to public transportation.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to stay close to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London showcases a superb transport infrastructure, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which ease movement and transit between zones. I set out to minimize transportation expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach as high as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services are available beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare policy of each train provider. Central London’s key attractions drive up living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, which greatly lessened our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s harder to come by in private residences.
Residing close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, supplemented by budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The city’s diverse communities are key to its cultural identity, providing a rich blend of neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for a connection to their home countries while in London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling quarter boasting numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community hubs.
The ideal areas to live in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.